To God’s Beloved At Cloverdale Baptist Church:
It is hard to believe that Christmas is upon us again! MERRY CHRISTMAS!
What a joy it is to remember that God loves us so much, and that Immanuel, God is with us!
We have two services this coming Sunday, the first, our regular service (10:30-11:45), and the second our normal Christmas Eve Service (4:30-5:30). We would love for you all to attend both, and the second we will seek to respect your Christmas Eve traditions (and become a steady part of them), and start at 4:30 and be done by 5:30. The Gospel will be clear, the fixation, Jesus, and the joy, evident!
There are three encouragements I would have for you this Christmas…
- Make your relationship with Jesus your first love priority!
We need reminders, and Christmas is built into our rhythm so that we can remember the greatness of the coming of Jesus and long for His return. In the midst of all of the noise and traditions spend time with Jesus! We love Him by allowing Him to dominate our calendars and choosing to obey His Word always.
This Christmas spend time with Him in praise and thanksgiving. Align your life with Him, rejecting sin in your life and delighting in His forgiveness and hope. Choose to obey in all areas of your life.
A healthy relationship with God will always include spending time with Him, and choosing to align with His Word knowing He is best and gracious.
This Christmas, make your relationship with Immanuel a first love priority!
- Bring healing and hope to your family relationships where possible!
Christmas can be a time of pain where there has been loss, or separation. As far as it is possible with you, take the time this Christmas season to bring reconciliation and to build healthy family relationships. Where it is not, pray for that possibility.
Make the phone call that you have been putting off, share the love for people you have that are close to you, and use this Christmas season to let PEACE dominate your family relationships. If you need to ask for forgiveness do, if you need to pursue fellowship, make that your second priority this Christmas.
Family is special, especially at Christmas, so use this season to deepen your love and loyalty to your family.
- Share the REASON FOR THE SEASON with at least one other person!
This is sometimes hard in our hostile culture where we would prefer to be angry or in retreat. Instead this Christmas choose to share the reconciling love of Jesus with a friend, family member or other in your sphere of influence. The world needs the love of Jesus and the Good news of what He has done, and we are those who are called to be His voice to those people, “as if He were making His appeal through us”.
I encourage you…take a moment that will shape your lifetime and choose to align your life with these three choices this Christmas.
Sunday Is Coming:
Our advent theme has been Shattered Silence.
Title: The Shattered Silence: Joy
Text: Luke 2:8-20...Please read as you prepare your hearts for what God has for you this Sunday.
- How does the joy that fellowship with Jesus brings show in your life?
- Why do you think that God chose the shepherds to reveal this great truth to?
- What do you think caused them fear?
- What calmed that fear?
- How can we have joy in the midst of all that life brings?
- What do the Shepherds do with the good news?
- How can we help people know Jesus this Christmas?
- Non-Believers
- Believers who sometimes lack joy
- Those who say they are believers but are living like the world
Looking forward to a great weekend of celebration!
Hoping, in the midst of the business of the season you delight in Jesus coming, anticipate His return, and live for His glory.
Thank you for being a congregation filled with love and encouragement! You are appreciated!
Pastor Rob
Bulletin
Church Family Ice Skating
Dec. 23rd / 11:15 AM / Cloverdale Arena A fun way to connect with our church family on the ice! This is a free event for all ages (rentals included). Arena concession will be open and helmets will be required for children 12 and under.
Christmas Eve Service
Sun. Dec. 24th / 4:30 Pm / Sanctuary In addition to our regular worship service in the morning, join us also at 4:30pm for a joyous family service to celebrate the birth of Jesus with carols, a Christmas message, and more! Also, every child in attendance will receive a special gift bag from our Children’s Ministry. We look forward to celebrating with you!
Women's Bible Studies – Spring 2024
"Remember Your Joy" is a 7-session study on Old Testament salvation stories starting Feb. 19th. Online registration opens on Jan. 2nd. Learn more >
Christmas Offering 2023
The Christmas Offering this year will be going towards the Meal Evangelism program and Monarch Place. Please mark your envelope or electronic gifts with "Christmas Offering".
Discipleship Classes
Resuming Sun. January 14th at 9AM Our Discipleship Classes is on a short break and will return on January 14th at 9:00am with new classes for all ages.
Church Office Hours
Please note that the church office will be closed from December 22nd–29th.
